Cubs great Kyle Hendricks set to retire from playing after 12 major-league seasons

LAS VEGAS — Cubs great Kyle Hendricks is set to retire from playing, a source confirmed on Monday.

Hendricks, 35, accrued a 3.79 ERA over 12 seasons, 11 of which he spent with the Cubs. His long and decorated career included a 2016 World Series championship and the 2016 ERA title. Hendricks, who the Rangers selected in the eighth round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Dartmouth, wrapped up his career with the Angels in 2025.

USA Today reported in September that Hendricks had informed friends of his intention to retire, but Hendricks told Los Angeles Times writer Bill Shaikin soon after that he was undecided.

Hendricks, nicknamed “The Professor,” was a consistent force in the Cubs rotation, thriving off finesse and an even temper in big moments, while the industry was trending toward velocity. His performance in Game 6 of the 2016 NL Championship Series, when he blanked the Dodgers for 7⅓ innings, will stand as a defining moment in an impressive career.

He continued to evolve in more recent years, extending his career past a lengthy shoulder injury. He even agreed to pitch out of the bullpen for part of the 2024 season, his last with the Cubs.

Hendricks ended his Cubs tenure with a masterful showing against the Reds — holding Cincinnati to two hits through 7⅓ scoreless innings — and a standing ovation from the Wrigley Field faithful.

“I hate all that attention, but in the end, I know I have to soak in these moments,” Hendricks said after that game. “And that’s what the Wrigley fans are there for. They’re so special. They’re the best in the world. To play here in Wrigley Field, I’m just such a lucky guy.”

Hendricks signed with the Angels last season and was a fixture in their rotation, posting a 4.76 ERA, which included one start against his former team in late August.

‘‘He’s on my Mount Rushmore of Cubs pitchers,’’ Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said then, listing Hendricks’ career accomplishments. ‘‘To me … as a human being and the time we spent together and the ups, the downs, the good and the bad, those are the things that you remember more than anything. Just grateful for my opportunity to get to be around him.’’